Applicants need not shell out more to agents for fresh passports henceforth.
At a press conference here on Thursday, CA R Palamalai, District Governor, Lions Clubs of International said that a select 20 cyber cafes in the city would offer services pertaining to applications and renewal of passports for just Rs 150. Claiming that private travel agents charged anywhere between Rs 500 and Rs 1000 for the same service, he said the new initiative would help passport applicants. The cafes, christened as Lions Passport Service Centres, would charge Rs 100 for senior citizens and children below the age of 15.
According to P Murugan, Secretary, TNICOA, negotiations are underway with advocates for issuing affidavits required in some cases of fresh applications for a nominal fee.